Beginning with a section discussing the animal class Insecta and the plant family Palmae, this volume then discusses families of insects according to their feeding sites on palms (defoliators, sap-feeders, feeders of palm flowers and fruits, and borers). The remaining chapters address population regulation of palm pests, principles of insect pest control on palms, and field techniques for studies of palm insects. Host and distribution records for the most extensively represented insect families on palms and tabulated. Of likely interest and utility to tropical biologists and agricultural scientists including entomologists, horticulturists, and tropical ecologists, as well as palm nursery growers, managers, and palm enthusiasts. Includes 16 pages of color plates and b&w illustrations throughout. Distributed by Oxford University Press. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Palms constitute one of the largest botanical families and include some of the world's most important economic plants. They are also unequalled as outdoor and indoor ornamental plants, and include many species that are essential components of the ecosystems of tropical and other warm regions. This book reviews the inter-relationships between palms and insects, emphasizing the similarities in different world regions. The host plants, distribution, and bionomics of representative insects are discussed according to their feeding sites on palms (foliage, flowers, fruits, and stems) and their taxonomic groups. Host and distribution records for the most extensively represented insect families on palms are tabulated. Pest management and field techniques are also covered.
